Town are set to consult with top image-makers Design Bridge in a bid to make as much from the Town brand as possible. Although the badge seems unlikely to change the club is seeking to to exploit its unique position as much as possible.

Design Bridge are a "design-led branding consultancy" (according to their website) and have previously helped Manchester United exploit their name and image. They have also worked with Jaffa Cakes, Felix cat food, Oxo and UEFA. It was them that came up with the star-branded ball used in the Champions' League.

It is likely that the Town name and badge will start appearing on an ever-increasing variety of bizarre objects. Manchester United have branded GCSE revision guides, table football tables (Babyfoot to our French readers, Fussball to our American) and other somewhat tenuously linked footballing paraphernalia.

The club and Design Bridge first spoke two seasons ago, but no agreement was reached at that time. However, discussions have been ongoing with a view to Design Bridge looking at the best ways of taking the Town brand forward.

Although Design Bridge will not be cheap people to deal with, the club will hope that profits derived from the wider marketing of the club brand will more than offset any outlay.

They could start by sending The Premiership and Match of the Day the proper badge.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls